G Adventures
Save 20%Epic Southeast Asia: River Cruises & Karst Mountains
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand · 40 days · Moderate
fromCAD 3,935
Next: 21 JunThe adventure
From the sacred peaks of Tibet to lush green Nepalese valleys, explore overland the best of the Himalayas on this two-week tour. Discover mighty temples and small outposts on a journey that offers incredible vistas at every turn of the trail. Our expert Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) will take the hassle out of planning and help you find the secluded spots only the locals know — and leave you with time to explore. In the thin mountain air of Rongbuk, the highest monastery in the world, you'll enjoy unparalleled views of Mt Everest. So make sure your camera is charged — you're going to need it.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
China & Nepal
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities for today except for a welcome meeting in the early evening, followed by an optional dinner.
There are no planned activities for today except for a welcome meeting in the early evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Day 2Take an orientation walk in Durbar Square before…
Take an orientation walk in Durbar Square before a cooking demonstration where the group will learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings). Afterwards, taste the delicious dishes made during an authentic local lunch. In the evening, enjoy free time to explore the fascinating city.
Day 3Depart for a community homestay in PanautiMany families in Panauti Village have come together to establish a homestay program. Depending on the location, the home offers lovely views across surrounding fields or a post from which to observe street activity. As well as getting to know a local family and exploring this lovely village, you will assist with preparing your evening meal - learning how to cook local dishes - and eat together with your host family.
Many families in Panauti Village have come together to establish a homestay program. Depending on the location, the home offers lovely views across surrounding fields or a post from which to observe street activity. As well as getting to know a local family and exploring this lovely village, you will assist with preparing your evening meal - learning how to cook local dishes - and eat together with your host family.
Day 4Take an afternoon flight to Lhasa
Take an afternoon flight to Lhasa. With a relaxed pace to allow for the effects of altitude, explore this fantastic city on 'the roof of the world' over three days. Don't miss one of the evening debating sessions with the monks and the opportunity to learn more about the unique culture here.
Day 5Enjoy an orientation walk around Barkhor Square led…
Enjoy an orientation walk around Barkhor Square led by your CEO before taking a guided tour of the Jokhang Temple, the "spiritual heart" of the city where a stream of pilgrims visit daily. In the afternoon explore Sera Monastery and witness the monks debating.
Day 6Explore the grounds of the magnificent Potala Palace
Explore the grounds of the magnificent Potala Palace. Set upon Marpo Ri (Red Hill), the impressive 17th century structure was where the Dalai Lamas would meditate and take residence during the winter months. This afternoon, visit the Dalai Lama's Summer Palace, Norbulingka. Stroll the palace grounds and depending on the time of year, enjoy the outdoor festivities held in the park.
Day 7Enjoy a free day in Lhasa
Enjoy a free day in Lhasa. Opt to visit the local markets or find a teahouse to spend a few hours relaxing with a warm cup of chai.
Day 8Set off early this morning for Gyantse
Set off early this morning for Gyantse, enjoying a visit to the ancient Buddhist site of Gyantse Kumbum on arrival. The drive to Gyantse is a spectacular one, crossing three passes over 5,000m (16,404 ft) and skirting the shores of the beautiful turquoise lake, Yamdrok Tso.
Day 9Today provides another opportunity to visit a sacred…
Today provides another opportunity to visit a sacred Tibetan Buddhist site in Gyantse. Visit Pelkor Chode Monastery this morning to admire the many sculptures and paintings lining the walls. Later, travel to Shigatse and enjoy some free time to get acquainted with the city.
Day 10Travel from Shigatse to Tingri and visit…
Travel from Shigatse to Tingri and visit the Sakya Monastery. The monastery is one of the oldest in Tibet and home to thousands of ancient Buddhist scriptures and many paintings. Gain a fascinating insight into Tibetan history and enjoy the views from this hillside structure.
Day 11Take an exhilarating drive to reach RongbukRongbuk is the highest monastery in the world and its guesthouse offers very basic accommodation, but the views that surround it more than compensate. Lie in bed and watch the moonlight illuminate the mountain.
Rongbuk is the highest monastery in the world and its guesthouse offers very basic accommodation, but the views that surround it more than compensate. Lie in bed and watch the moonlight illuminate the mountain.
Day 12Travel to KyirongOn today's drive, ride alongside Paiko Tso Lake and marvel at its turquoise colour. Reach Kunda La Pass at 5236m, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Start the descent through winding roads into Kyirong and feel the change in altitude. See the change in scenery from snowy mountain peaks, to more greenery and blue skies.
On today's drive, ride alongside Paiko Tso Lake and marvel at its turquoise colour. Reach Kunda La Pass at 5236m, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Start the descent through winding roads into Kyirong and feel the change in altitude. See the change in scenery from snowy mountain peaks, to more greenery and blue skies.
Day 13TodayKathmanduPrepare for another beautiful driving day on your way to Nepal. Cross high mountain passes amongst fluttering prayer flags, enjoy jaw dropping views of the Himalayan range, stunning lakes and forest, then begin to descend in altitude towards lush, green Nepal. After immigration, cross the bridge joining Tibet and Nepal by foot. Jump in the vehicle and make the winding, bumpy, yet extremely scenic drive to Kathmandu.
KathmanduPrepare for another beautiful driving day on your way to Nepal. Cross high mountain passes amongst fluttering prayer flags, enjoy jaw dropping views of the Himalayan range, stunning lakes and forest, then begin to descend in altitude towards lush, green Nepal. After immigration, cross the bridge joining Tibet and Nepal by foot. Jump in the vehicle and make the winding, bumpy, yet extremely scenic drive to Kathmandu.
Day 14Depart any time
Depart any time.
Traveller reviews
“The tour leader was wonderfully helpful and well informed! The trip was well organized and an amazing experience overall.”
“Great places, but really remote. I will have never been able to do this trip on my own and enjoyed it as much. Baikunta the guide was awesome, really friendly, helpful, knowlageble, funny and add certain flavor to the tour. I really enjoyed it.”
“Overall very good, with a very committed guide who worked hard to make people happy and ensure that we got to see all the sights.”
Discover China
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